Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Right after the Rolls Royce departed, Alyssa's expression hardened as she punched Jasper in the chest.

"Lyse, be gentle. I don't want you to hurt yourself," Jasper cautioned her, his voice trembling from her strength.

Sean, who was in the driver's seat, stole a glance at them from the rearview mirror and stifled a laugh.

"Jasper, I have a question for you." She poked his chest and asked angrily, "Did you know about the arranged marriage between Lauren and the Hodgson son?"

His eyes wavered. Grasping her hand, he wondered, "Lyse, how did you hear about it?"

"How could you ask that question? I think half of the city has heard about it by now!" Alyssa then proceeded to relay Silas' update to Jasper.

"Damn it!" Enraged, he punched the car window. "By publicly announcing the news, the Hodgson family is pressuring Javier into finalizing the marriage."

"They're being delusional. What era are we in now? They can't possibly force Lauren to marry Freddy!" Clenching her jaw, she said, "If Lauren refuses to marry, not even the president can make her!"

"But Lauren agreed to the marriage."

"What? But why?" Alyssa and Sean gasped in unison.

"Lauren said that being with Landon was too burdensome."

"That's

for Landon and Angie if she kept dating

does she have to marry Freddy?" Looking skeptical, Alyssa surmised, "Has Mr. Javier pressured her? What did he say

some thinking, Jasper rasped, "I got into a fight with Javier in front of Lauren over the arranged marriage

the car window. Fortunately, the solid build of the Rolls Royce was able

breathe from the heartache.

a grudge against you and

any way other than to risk her happiness.

pain, shook his head. "We can't have

Cyrus than that good-for-nothing Freddy Hodgson! I'd rather keep a nice young lady

wondered, "Lyse, do you think Landon stands a chance

is always the hardest to grasp and make sense of." Resting in Jasper's arms, Alyssa sighed softly. "Lauren and Landon might

deal, Preston's termination notice was immediately emailed to the inboxes of all company employees.

an unemployed bum who had nothing to do with the

depressed, Preston gathered his friends at night to have fun and release his

clothing who'd sell out anyone to protect his interest. His friends had no choice but

was only a matter of time before Preston made his return to the Harper Group and kicked out

Altman at The Millennium. Rumors had it that she was